Investing in hybrid work for the future

Whilst a handful of companies are mandating employee presence in the office five days a week, this study revealed that most leaders (74%) say returning to the office full time is not a priority for their business moving forward, recognising that staff retention could be impacted by such policies, and that hybrid working positively impacts their productivity. In fact, nearly two thirds (65%) believe they would lose talented people if they insisted on their employees being present in a central office every day.

So, rather than focusing on asking their people to endure unnecessary long and expensive commutes to central offices, most business leaders are choosing to invest in the future by enhancing and improving hybrid working equipment and facilities. A unanimous 94% had invested in new technology to improve their hybrid experience in the past year, with 43% saying this had been their top investment in the last 12 months.

As the ongoing investment in hybrid working accelerates, the potential for further growth is exponential - with an estimated 1.2 billion white collar workers globally and a total addressable market of more than $2 trillion.

Co-working spaces continue to support company culture and employee satisfaction, according to leaders of companies across industries. Separate International Workplace Group research found that CEOs of hybrid businesses have seen increased employee happiness, improved employee productivity and higher employee retention and attraction since implementing hybrid work. Almost three quarters (74%) of surveyed also reported their companies are expected to be operating in a hybrid model in five years’ time.

Mark Dixon, Chief Executive Officer, International Workplace Group commented: “The uptake of hybrid working is continuing to increase as companies of all sizes understand its importance in creating an optimal environment for both the productivity of the business and the happiness of its employees to thrive.

Furthermore, this latest research convincingly demonstrates that CEOs appreciate the critical role that hybrid working has in not only attracting, but retaining the highest quality talent.”

International Workplace Group - Regus’ parent group - the world’s largest provider of hybrid working solutions with brands including Spaces, Regus and HQ in South Africa , added 867 new locations globally last year to meet growing demand for hybrid working.